Pictograph Cave State Park is home to naturally eroded marine sandstone. These rock shelters were used by native people who created rock art painted up to 2,145 years ago and perhaps earlier. In our 'green' designed Visitor's Center, you can learn about artifacts left behind for over 4,500 years. Located just five miles southeast of Billings, this 23 acre park features walking trails, picnic grounds and interpretive trail stations; everything you need for a fun and educational get away!Pictograph Cave State Park is just one of the many highlights you can arrange to see using our , online itinerary creator Edition.
This unique place is a site of spirit writing and believed to be used by different native tribes for ceremonial and vision quest purposes. For the entire time people have painted on the walls of this cave, rain water and snow-melt have leached through the sandstone depositing soluble minerals on the cave wall and images. Then, when heavy rains or snowmelt occur, the water saturates the sandstone and that veil of minerals will lift and the images beneath become more visible. While on a dry day you may see 10-15 pictographs, on very wet ones, 30-40 images seem to appear directly from the rock. The Crow people say these images are drawn by the spirits, and whichever ones you see are meant to give you a personal message.
Source
Create a full itinerary - for free!
Pictograph Cave State Park reviews
-
Although the actual pictographs drawn by early inhabitants are hard to see, this attraction gives some insight into their traditions and way of life. The hike up to the caves was enjoyable on a nice.... more
Although the actual pictographs drawn by early inhabitants are hard to see, this attraction gives some insight into their traditions and way of life. The hike up to the caves was enjoyable on a nice.... more »
-
This was a quick loop trail with some cool informative boards discussing the history of the caves and the hand paintings from thousands of years ago. It feels great to be in such a place with a long history and relevance for the Native Americans. I would definitely stop by if in Billings, only 15 minutes outside of town.
-
You can see the entire park in an hour.
Plan your trip to Billings
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.Know more
Popular things to do in Billings
Side trips from Billings
Hidden gems in Billings
Museums in Billings
Breweries & Distilleries in Billings
Nearby attractions in Billings
Trips in Pictograph Cave State Park by other users
5 days in Jackson Hole & Montana
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Jackson Hole
Billings
Bozeman
7 days in Billings & Anaheim
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Billings
Anaheim
34 days in United States
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
New Orleans
Houston
Waco
7 days in Billings & Stafford
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Billings
Stafford
3 days in Billings
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Pompeys Pillar National Monument
Moss Mansion
Pictograph Cave State Park
16 days in Montana & Wyoming
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Bozeman
Yellowstone National Park
Grand Teton National Park